Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in Peace, Ranger!

Lead Ranger Matt Lyons
National Park Service, Traffic Management - SEKI

June 23, 2024

Rest in peace Seasonal Park Ranger Christensen.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 6, 2021

Rest in Peace Seasonal Park Ranger Christensen. Thank you for your service. My thoughts and prayers are with the Christensen Family and the National Park Service.

Cpl. Gary Hughes (Retired)
Passaic County Sheriff's Office New Jersey

November 5, 2020

Rest in heavenly peace

Mark Mottola

July 29, 2020

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

July 29, 2020

Nearly 12 years ago, my son Joe took part in the search for his good friend Jeff, and then spoke at his memorial services about the beauty of the mountains that Jeff loved and the great human being and friend that Jeff was. I thought about Jeff last month as we held a memorial service for Joe who died while on avalanche patrol at Squaw Valley. Many friends from Winter Park came and celebrated Joe's love for the mountains and tempered our grief with stories about the man who was their great friend. It is so sad that these young men died so suddenly but we will always remember their deep friendship.

Jim Zuiches

February 22, 2017

I will be in the Rockies this year on the 11th anniversary of your tragic death. I am glad I will be there because I know a part of you still roams those high peaks. I know you will be in my thoughts as you often are, especially on that day as I walk through your beloved mountains. You are not forgotten.

Nicole

June 1, 2016

On the 10th anniversary of your passing, it is important for everyone to remember the hard work the seasonal rangers do for our National Parks. Rest in peace Ranger Christensen.

Park Ranger John Goodwin
National Park Service

July 29, 2015

Thinking of you today.
Rangers Range

Steve Mazur, Ranger Pilot
NPS

July 29, 2015

I can't believe it's been 9 years. Think of you, especially in the summer and whenever we visit Colorado. You are missed!!

Friend

July 29, 2014

I saw your dedication plaque at the visitor's center outside Rocky Mountain National Park on a recent trip. From what I read, you were singularly devoted to your profession and loved your job. May your sacrifice never be forgotten, and may your legacy of service be an inspiration to those who will follow in your footsteps. Rest in peace, brother.

TCN, Police Officer
Minnesota

December 14, 2011

As I often do, I find myself thinking of you today. You are still, and will always be, remembered and missed.

Nicole

August 24, 2010

You have not been forgotten my friend. Not now, not ever. Thank you for the times we have spent together.

FWS Special Agent
Friend

August 14, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the fifth anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. I pray for the solace of all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Like your parents, I share the anquish of losing a beloved child which surely has to be lifes greatest sorrow.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

July 29, 2010

You have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

July 29, 2010

Think of you often...can't believe it has been 5 years! We miss you!

Anonymous

July 29, 2010

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones on this day. You have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

July 29, 2009

To Ranger Jeffrey Chistensen, his family and his fellow officers with the United States Department of the Interior National Parks Serrvice:

Our heartfelt thoughts are with you on the anniversary of Ranger Christensen’s tragic death and we honor him for his valor and sacrifice to the community. Rest in Peace, Ranger Christensen and thank you for your service.

Wives Behind The Badge, Inc
Members and Staff

July 29, 2009

Thinking of you today and honoring your sacrifice always.

Jennifer Mayo, sister of
Deputy Hilery A. Mayo Jr. STPSO La. E.O.W 6/9/07

July 29, 2008

I hadn't visited your site before and am sad that your life ended so suddenly and
prematurely. We also lost a young park ranger here in WA, Catherine Secore.
You touched the public while you were here and got to explore the beauty of
God's creation. I'm sure you never got tired of it and marveled every day at its
majesty. It's beauty even cradled you in death and you died living your dream.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

Anonymous

July 29, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

March 27, 2008

Ranger christensen,
Today marks the second anniversary of losing a dedicated park ranger. You will never be forgotten.

Pennsylvania citizen

July 29, 2007

Jeff, you taught me to love the outdoors and appreciate nature. I'm lucky to have known you. We sat on the Chester Bowl ski jump for hours at night talking about life, goals, and dreams. You pursued your dream and how fortunate for you to have the time you did in Colorado.

You are such an inspiring person. I think of you often as I am hiking and taking my little guy for walks along the lakeshore. I learned a lot from you. Thank you!

Just a Friend

April 13, 2007

With all the love possible for a human to muster, I hope you know how many lives you touched in such a fantastic way while you were with us. The world is certainly a better place having had you as such a positive addition to it's own life.
You live on in each of those who were lucky enough to come into contact with your spirited approach to life!
I will always love the fact that I got to be a small part of your life.
Rest well my friend.
Oh, say Hi to Sooz too!

Michael Jordan
Just a good friend

February 3, 2007

I can't believe that it has been over a year since you were taken from us...I have a photo of you in my office with the reflections of Mark on it. You still remind me to live my dream and persue it at all cost, but I am not sure I have the strength to do it...Well my friend till we meet again keep smileing that cheshire cat smile. Love you, miss you always.

Just a Friend

December 11, 2006